Guernsey County District Public Library
Strategic Plan 2026-2028

Introduction

Guernsey County District Public Library’s strategic plan is organized around four strategic directions: Strengthen Financial Stability, Extend Community Connections, Expand Learning Opportunities for All Ages, and Spaces that Inspire and Connect. The goals reflect what the library intends to accomplish, informed by input from the community and library staff. Objectives under each goal describe the actions the library will take to achieve the desired outcomes.

Strengthen Financial Stability

The library will strengthen its financial foundation through intentional advocacy, strategic marketing, and the pursuit of diverse funding opportunities to develop long-term stability.

Goal: Develop a unified approach to advocacy and marketing

• Develop and implement a comprehensive Advocacy Plan that mobilizes the Board of Trustees, employees, and patrons to promote the library’s value to key stakeholders and the broader community.
• Create a Marketing Plan that both promotes the impact and informs the community about the library’s services, programs, spaces, and collections.
• Systematically collect, document, and share patron stories that demonstrate the library’s impact and value on individuals, families, and the community.

Goal: Diversify and expand sources of revenue

• Develop a Funding Diversification Plan that identifies opportunities for grants, sponsorships, partnerships, and alternative sources of revenue that align with the library’s mission and goals.
• Increase engagement with Friends of the Guernsey County Library to support library projects.
• Evaluate opportunities for alternative sources of revenue and cost-sharing partnerships to ensure they align with the library’s mission and priorities.

Extend Community Connections

The library will expand its role as a trusted community resource by building upon existing partnerships and increasing visibility

Goal: Strengthen existing relationships with community partners

• Establish a community partnership framework that defines roles, shared outcomes, evaluation measures, and communication expectations.
• Identify opportunities to build on existing partnerships that align with the library’s mission and priorities.
• Continue to build school partnerships through established educator relationships in every school in the county.
• Increase library participation in events sponsored by community partners to strengthen visibility and provide on-going support.

Goal: Extend the library’s presence in the community

• Expand off-site and pop-up library services at community events and partner locations.
• Develop outreach strategies for underserved or hard-to-reach populations.
• Strengthen communication and marketing to keep the community informed and connected to library activities.

Expand Learning Opportunities for All Ages

The library will provide relevant lifelong learning programs for all ages that build practical skills and encourages personal development.

Goal: Build a comprehensive adult services portfolio 

• Create an Adult Services team.
• Conduct a needs assessment to identify adult learning interests and barriers.
• Foster collaborations with local experts, educators, and organizations to deliver high-quality adult learning experiences.
• Create a promotional plan to highlight programs and shares learning success stories.
• Provide staff with professional development to strengthen adult learning facilitation and program design skills.

Spaces that Inspire and Connect

The library will provide flexible and inviting spaces that encourage connection, creativity, and a sense of belonging for all.

Goal: Ensure all library facilities are safe, accessible, and adaptable

• Develop and adopt a comprehensive Facilities Plan addressing maintenance, modernization, accessibility, and sustainability.
• Assess current space utilization and identify opportunities for flexible, multi-use spaces and furnishings that support connection and creativity.
• Integrate outdoor and green spaces into facility planning to inspire interaction, learning, and belonging.